Think your family’s matching pajamas and cookie-decorating nights are special? Sure, they’re cute—but there’s a whole world of quirky holiday traditions out there that will blow your snow-covered mind. Here are 10 unique holiday customs you didn’t know existed, but might just want to adopt.
1. The Catalan Pooping Log (Spain)
Meet Tió de Nadal, a wooden log with a painted face and a jaunty red hat. Kids "feed" it throughout December, and on Christmas Eve, they beat it with sticks while singing songs to make it "poop" out treats. Yes, really.
2. Hiding the Broom (Norway)
In Norway, it’s believed that evil spirits and witches roam the skies on Christmas Eve. To prevent them from stealing your broom for a joyride, families hide their cleaning supplies. Who knew witches were so into sweeping?
3. The Yule Goat (Sweden)
Forget reindeer—Swedes have the Yule Goat! Dating back to pagan times, this straw goat symbolizes good fortune. Modern Swedes even build massive versions of it, though the real tradition seems to be trying (and often failing) to keep it from being set on fire.
4. Spiderweb Christmas Trees (Ukraine)
In Ukraine, it’s considered lucky to decorate your tree with fake spiderwebs and spiders. Legend has it, a poor family woke up to find their tree covered in shimmering webs that turned to gold and silver. Holiday glam, arachnid-style.
5. Kentucky Fried Christmas (Japan)
In Japan, Christmas isn’t a traditional holiday, but thanks to a brilliant marketing campaign in the 1970s, millions of families now celebrate by eating KFC. Yes, that KFC. The Colonel never felt so festive.
6. Night of the Radishes (Mexico)
Every December 23rd in Oaxaca, radishes take center stage. Locals carve them into intricate nativity scenes and other designs for a one-of-a-kind competition. Because who doesn’t love combining veggies and art?
7. Krampus Night (Austria)
While Santa rewards the good kids, Krampus—a terrifying half-goat, half-demon—roams the streets to scare the naughty ones. On December 5th, Austrians dress up as Krampus and parade through town. Sweet dreams, kiddos!
8. Rolling Cheese for Good Luck (Czech Republic)
In the Czech Republic, singles throw a piece of cheese at a wall during the holidays. The shape it makes when it splats supposedly reveals their romantic future. Cupid’s got nothing on dairy.
9. The Pickle Ornament (Germany/USA)
Legend says a pickle ornament is hidden in the Christmas tree, and the first person to find it gets an extra gift. While the origin is debated (Germany or a clever marketing gimmick?), it’s a fun excuse to make tree-decorating competitive.
10. Lighting Up Boats (Greece)
Instead of Christmas trees, many Greeks decorate boats with lights to honor Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors. It’s a nod to the country’s deep connection to the sea—and it looks absolutely magical.
Holidays are a time for joy, togetherness, and, apparently, some truly wild traditions. Whether you’re beating a log, eating fried chicken, or tossing cheese at a wall, there’s no wrong way to celebrate.
Which of these traditions would you adopt, and which would you leave to the pros? Let us know in the comments! 🎄🌟
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